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If you’ve ever incurred the wrath of your colleagues by skipping out of the office on annual leave while they’re knee-deep in work, spare a thought for Jeremy Corbyn. The Labour leader has revealed plans to take a holiday just one week before the EU Referendum in June, angering many other MPs and devotees of the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign.

Corbyn will time his departure to coincide with the Whitsun parliamentary recess – between May 26 and June 6 – but with the Europe verdict looming and Labour reeling from a poor performance in local elections, it’s not exactly the finest timing. So staycation, city break, or a well-earned Brexit of his own? Here’s where we think the Labour leader might set his sights this summer…

Remember when Corbyn missed an important Privy Council meeting in favour of a hiking holiday in Scotland instead? After Labour came third in the Scottish local election in May 2016, the country might not be top of his-must visit list right now – so how about blowing away the cobwebs on a hiking trip to Wales instead? He’ll be in friendly(ish) territory: Welsh Labour triumphed in the local elections, although with Plaid Cymru stealing the Labour stronghold seat of Rhondda in South Wales, he might want to stick to the Pembrokeshire coast or a trip on the Welsh Heritage Highland Railway (although it’s privatised, alas).

Home to the country’s largest Labour majority, the constituency of Liverpool Walton would surely welcome the top man with open arms. Liverpool is one of Labour's mightiest strongholds, so he’d surely take solace in its warm embrace – filling his time with art galleries, top shopping and rich maritime history.

The Art School restaurant has won accolades for its vegan and vegetarian menus, so maybe they’d shout him dinner too. Just don’t mention the city’s Imperialist past: in the 18th century, it was a major slave trade port, whose ships dominated the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Dubbed Europe’s “last dictatorship”, under the unwavering rule of Alexander Ryhoravich Lukashenko, Belarus is described by some seasoned travellers as a real-life slice of the old USSR. Perhaps Corbyn would enjoy the time warp?

“As the diesel train shuddered out of the drab suburbs, we talked about politics, the Falklands, music, girls and football: the five pillars of Anglo-Argentine macho intercourse”, wrote Chris Moss after his jaunt on the Argentine rails. Ok, so Corbyn might have limited banter in those departments, but he would take comfort from the fact that Argentina’s rail service is nationalised.

It’s also home to the world’s scariest train journey: Tren a las Nubes. According to Telegraph train expert Anthony Lambert, the ‘Train to the Clouds’ climbs to a white-knuckle 4,200m, teeters over 29 bridges, and threads through tobacco fields and ranches on its whopping 16-hour jaunt from the city of Salta.

“I believe that there’s a very nice train that goes to Siberia”, quipped Michael Portillo when he was asked where he’d most like to send Jeremy Corbyn – and perhaps he’s not too far off the mark. Comrade Corbyn might relish a trip to Russia – to stroll the Red Square, perhaps, visit Alliluev Apartment – Lenin’s “secret flat” – or tour the Soviet artworks of Muzeon Sculpture Park.

Cycling in Germany

Cycling in Bavaria, GermanyCredit:
Getty

2017 marks 200 years since the world’s first bicycle was created by German innovator Baron Karl von Drais. Given Corbyn’s penchant for two-wheeled travel, perhaps he’d like to pedal along the picturesque Reine River Valley through Baden-Württemberg? Apparently, this was the route that von Drais chose for his maiden jaunt.

Our guide to the world’s best cycling holidays names Rügen as one of the top spots. This little-visited island on Germany’s north coast boasts “beaches, chalk cliffs and fishing villages,” writes Trisha Andres. “Highlights include a stop at Göhren to sample a Sanddorn ice cream, which is made from the island’s sea buckthorn berries.”

However, Corbyn’s peace campaigner parents met at a Spanish Republic committee meeting during the Spanish Civil War, and he is fluent in Spanish – so perhaps a good old fashioned week relaxing in the Med is in order?